Sulphur Parks and Recreation prepares water park for summer

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Sulphur Parks and Recreation officials are hoping to reopen the water parks in time for summer.

Splashing around on a hot summer day won’t be just a memory left behind in 2019 for much longer. Last year, the SPAR water park was closed because of COVID-19 restrictions, but this year, the Sulphur Parks and Rec is planning for a come back if permitted by health guidelines.

SPAR officials said they will be preparing as if they can operate at full capacity but are expecting that only half capacity will be allowed at the park.

“We are making preparations to open SPAR water park for the 2021 season, but it’s not going to look the same,” said the parks’ recreational manager AunJelle Burton.

Burton said the Sulphur water park will be open, but it’ll be a little different than park-goers remember.

“So we are doing everything that we can. We’re planning to open as normal, but we will be following the attendance capacity restrictions that are authorized by the Louisiana State government to be be able to open. The park is doing everything to prepare for a regular season.”

They’re hiring a full staff, opening social distancing lounge areas and implementing new sanitation procedures.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to come in with a mask, to social distance from others that are not in your party.”

The hurricanes have also caused damage to the park’s structures and water pumps making the plan to open even more extensive than just following the COVID guidelines.

There’s an extensive amount of damage to SPAR water park. Repairs will take some time, so Burton said the park is expected to open later than usual this summer.

The Sulphur Parks and Rec is not permitting any recreation swim at this time, but their indoor pool is open for exercise and swim lessons. Lifeguard training is also available, and those looking to apply for the summer can CLICK HERE for more information.

Copyright 2021 KPLC. All rights reserved.